Gippsland

The Country Drive

Leg 1: Glengarry to Maffra52 km/32 miles, about 40 minutes

With a tantalising bakery and outstanding regional wines, Glengarry is a top place to stop along the Country Drive as you make your way towards Maffra, a charming town steeped in nineteenth century history.

Get started on the Country Drive
Just north of Traralgon, Glengarry is the starting point of the Country Drive along C105. Its main street is lined with telltale signs of days gone by, like the railway station, Mechanics Institute Hall, and the butter factory. Savour the award-winning wines at Narkoojee Winery and devour something home-baked and delicious at the town's famous bakery.

The Country Drive by car or bike
The Country Drive then heads through the township of Toongabbie, which also showcases some striking heritage buildings. Signs dotted throughout town provide an insight into how things used to be. Toongabbie is a popular spot to rest weary legs on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail – an easy, postcard-perfect cycling track from Traralgon to Stratford.

Next stop is Cowwar, a town with heapings of character and creativity that shouldn't be missed for the fascinating cow sculptures around town. Pop into Cowwar Art Space in the rustic butter factory for the latest exhibitions or performances. Further along is Heyfield on the Thomson River. The gateway to the High Country features vast expanses of natural bush and national parks, plus Lake Glenmaggie and Heyfield Wetlands.

Onwards to Maffra
As you approach Maffra you'll come to Tinamba, a small town established when McEvoys Track from Seaton opened as a major access track to the goldfields. The popular Tinamba Hotel is the perfect lunch stop.

Driving into Maffra you instantly admire the tree-lined nineteenth century Main Street. Many of the original shop verandas remain, as well as historic buildings like the Duart Homestead and the converted court house that is now home to the Visitor Information Centre.